Ima Spaulding

Ima Jean Randall Spaulding, a longtime resident of Clay, Alabama, died on May 4, 2018 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham. Born in 1929 in Lowndes County (Columbus), Mississippi she was the daughter of the late Frances Rebecca (“Fannie Bec”) and Oscar Randall. Ima Jean is preceded in death by her husband Raymond Hildon Spaulding, to whom she was married for 61 years. She attended Caledonia High School, where she was valedictorian of her class, earning herself a scholarship to the Mississippi State College for Women which she declined in favor of marriage to the love of her life. Ima Jean held a doctorate in Southern homemaking, excelling in creating delicious dishes she humbly called “nothing special,” tending a bountiful garden filled with the sweetness of summer, and growing the bluest of hydrangeas that matched her sparkling eyes. She shined brightest at holidays, hosting all family affairs in her home until the end of her life, even refusing to take down her favorite Christmas tree and instead deciding to change out the lights and decorations to match the seasons. To Ima Jean, every season was a reason to celebrate with new wonder and delight. Her faith was paramount to her, and as a longtime Sunday school teacher, she touched the lives of many around her. Even when she was unable to drive herself to church, she would dutifully prepare her lessons and, often, a cake or bite to eat for her students. She loved music, once working at a radio station in Columbus where she proudly sang the opening number for the Mickey Mouse Club radio program, and always joining first in any singalong, happily swaying to the music which was usually provided by one of her sons at a bluegrass or gospel concert. Her vibrancy and grace will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her three sons: Frank (Elaine), Selwyn (Susan), and Randy (Yvonne) Spaulding; five grandchildren: Sally Spaulding, Robin Spaulding, Stacey Alexander, Lauren Bambarger, and Haley Crew; as well as three great-grandchildren and two sets of twin great grandchildren. Visitation at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, Trussville Alabama is 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Monday, May 7, 2018, followed by the service at 12 pm.